Update: Rocco’s WeHo, located at 8900 Santa Monica Blvd, has officially been sold, bringing an end to a period of speculation among staff. The sale to MNR Nightlife, LLC was completed today, with Matthew Howard Ross named as the managing member assigned to the transfer. The final purchase price is estimated to be in the $4 million range. After months of rumors—previously denied by management—the transition is now underway, with employees having received their last paychecks from the former operating company.
The new owners, MNR Nightlife, LLC, have confirmed their intention to retain the Rocco’s brand and keep the establishment operating as is, preserving its identity for the foreseeable future. Rocco’s WeHo first opened its doors on May 15, 2019, and has since been a staple in the West Hollywood nightlife scene.
This sale marks the latest in a series of turnovers among West Hollywood bar properties, completing a full-circle shift in the local scene. Other notable transitions include the sales of the Abbey/Chapel, St. Felix, Heart, Micky’s, Revolver, and several others. Meanwhile, V-Wine Room remains in escrow, and we’ll introduce its new owner in an upcoming story.
Rocco’s WeHo has been sold. The anchor location at 8900 Santa Monica Blvd is about to turn over. The purchaser is MNR Nightlife, LLC. The managing member assigned to the transfer is Matthew Howard Ross.
Rumors have been circulating for weeks among Rocco’s staff but had been denied by management. The final purchase price is estimated in the $4,000, 000 range.
The Rocco’s WeHo opened on May 15th, 2019. It is not clear whether the buyer will continue the Rocco’s brand.
The sale of Rocco’s completes a full circle turnaround among West Hollywood bar owners that include the sale or the Abbey/Chapel, St. Felix, Heart, Micky’s, Revolver and turnover of many others. V-wine rom is also in escrow and we will introduce you to the new owner in another story.
I hope the business model will lean more towards restaurant/bar than nightclub. We have enough nightclubs.
My friends and I don’t go to any club that has the hotdog wagons in the front on the sidewalk belching their smoke and stench. And banging their carts and yelling. It all blows inside the club and the smoke and smell is not pleasant.
Wow exciting times in Weho Matt you can reach out to me let’s fix the TV display set up. We can improve on what you have there so happy to read this.
M Hammer
Whenever I have walked by Rocco’s, I usual see straight couples sitting out in front which makes it unattractive to me, so I will pass it up. I will go to The Abbey on occasion, but I find it unwelcoming at times. Both places have the loud music, so that is another factor in not stopping in.
I find the smaller places on the boulevard such as Trunks attractive as they tend to be more quieter and you can carrying on a conversation without yelling. Maybe some of you should try it.
It’s inaccurate information, but that doesn’t make for juicy gossip, right?
They all have my cell if to clear up an wrong information, if needed.
Congrats Matthew on your purchase. I know you have a great vision for the business and weho is lucky to have you invest in the city.
It’s all just changing of ownership or rebranding. There’s been no net loss of bars here. No real sea change.
Someone asked why all of the long time owners are getting out. Several reasons. The first that some started these businesses decades ago and its time. The second reason is that West Hollywood of today is barely a glimmer of the world we enjoyed in the 90’s and 2000’s. We met our friends at the bars, met our lovers at the bars. Our world was really centered around the need to be with our tribe and the bar scene ruled. This is a different world. The younger generation finds it online and the bars have turned into constant bridal parties… Read more »
Where are you getting this info?
They are all cashing out as operating costs have skyrocketed and revenues are down.
Why are all these big gay bars being sold? Why are the long time owners cashing out?
“Chopping block” is a harsh editorial